Hugh Louis (Co-founder of Sien Lok Society)

Mr. Hugh Louis. He passed away, peacefully, on October 10, 2014 in the company of his loved ones. Mr. Louis will always be remembered by us as a kind, giving, and caring man; not only to Sien Lok Society and all the people whose lives he touched through our programs, but also to the entire province of Alberta and in particular the Canadian-Chinese communities he so selflessly helped and championed.

On a personal note, though I was just a small child at the time, I remember fondly when the Louis family met my family almost 40 years ago. Mr. Louis and my father Fred Wong both met through their business lives, as they were both active in the Electronics Retailers and Service Dealers Association (ERSDA). Mr. Louis was always an active contributor in that part of his life too.

Today, decades later, as President of the Sien Lok Society of Calgary, an organization which Mr. Louis helped to create, I stand on the shoulders of his accomplishments with the Society, and I can say without reservation that I have been honoured to serve the same communities he so tirelessly supported; and I consider myself blessed to count as friends, and fellow directors, two members of Mr. Louis’ family — his daughter Cori, and son Les — whom have served as directors themselves for many years.

Continuing the Louis passion for community service, at least one member of the Louis family has volunteered as a director of Sien Lok, continuously, for the entire 45-year history of the organization — a remarkable testament in itself to the ethic and beliefs of the whole Louis family. They have also been chairing Sien Lok’s casino fundraising program since we started it decades ago.

The Sien Lok Society’s vision: “To create an environment where lives are touched, enriched and refreshed through broad ties to our culturally diverse communities” And our mission: “To develop and participate in cultural preservation and promotional activities for those affected by, or interested in, Canadian Chinese culture.”

Hugh Louis and his family have always embodied every element of both our vision and mission. To the entire Louis family, on behalf of the Sien Lok Society of Calgary, I say thank you. Thank you so much for all you have done, and continue to do, for so many. Hugh, you are already missed.